Life
No matter how long you've been in the dating game, there's one question that can consistently come back to haunt you: how do you impress someone on the first date? Everyone has different dating preferences — what woos one person might totally turn someone else off — so unfortunately, there's no catch-all trick to getting a second date. You just have to go in confidently, be yourself, and hope that you have enough of a connection to look past any awkward moments (which, LBR, are bound to occur).
"For the most part, first dates are incredibly pressured, self-conscious experiences where you are often preoccupied through the whole experience about how you are coming across to the other person," Rhonda Milrad, Founder and Chief Relationship Advisor of Relationup, tells Bustle. "It is actually hard to focus on getting to know your date because you are so focused on your date’s reaction to you."
Even though first dates can be awkward and nerve-wracking, they're also a great chance to feel out whether or not you have a connection with someone. To find out what real people's first date expectations are like, UK-based online doctor service Dr. Ed surveyed 1,000 Europeans and Americans about everything from who they think should pay the check to how they feel about first date hookups. If you're looking for tips to help you lock down that second date, here are the top reasons singles had a good first date, according to the survey.
1
A Great Sense Of Humor
Showing off your wit is by far the best way to impress your date: 83 percent of women and 77 percent of men surveyed said they'd definitely consider a second date with someone who had a great sense of humor — which makes sense, because it's important to be able to laugh with your partner.
2
Interest In Each Other's Views
According to the Dr. Ed survey, 77 percent of women and 66 percent of men said that a date who expressed genuine interest in their viewpoints would be really attractive to them.
3
Interest In Each Other's Personal Life
For 71 percent of men and 76 percent of women, it's a green flag when their date takes an interest in their personal life. You might not want to ask questions that are too personal, but there are great first date questions you should always ask to help you get to know your date.
4
Interest In Each Other's Work
For 70 percent of women and 57 percent of men, the way to impress them on the first date is to start a conversation about your work lives. Pro tip: maybe save your hour-long rant about Steve who leaves his Tupperware in the office fridge for another date.
5
Kissing
Kissing at the end of the first date might be too ~forward~ for some folks, but 62 percent of men and 41 percent of women surveyed said they would be wooed by a steamy first date smooch.
6
You Were Both On Time
Bad news if you're that person who's constantly late: your tardiness might be keeping you from scoring second dates. The survey found that 61 percent of women and 46 percent of men would be inclined to meet up with someone again if they were on time to the date. And apparently, men are really into punctuality: 21 percent of guys surveyed said that their date showing up not just on time but early made them eager for date number two.
7
Courtesy
Apparently, chivalry isn't quite dead yet: 57 percent of women surveyed said that they would be impressed if a date held the door or pulled out a chair for them. Bonus points for the old-timey, classic "jacket-over-the-puddle" trick.
Although it's always exciting to be asked out on a second date by someone you're interested in, it's not the end of the world if your first date turns out to be your only date with someone. Ultimately, first dates are just a chance to meet someone new and hopefully form a lasting connection... and if things don't work out, then it's onto the next one.
